Monday, September 21, 2009

30 Rock, once again, won Outstanding Comedy at the Emmys (for the third consecutive year). On top of that, 30 Rock's Alec Baldwin won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, 30 Rock writer Matt Hubbard took Outstanding Comedy Writing (in the outstanding writing category, four out of the five nominees were 30 Rock episodes). Fey also snagged the Best Guest Actress in a Comedy for her SNL Palin portrayals last fall.

Other notable wins:

Toni Collette took home Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for The United States of Tara (extended props to creator Diablo Cody).

Glenn Close won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Damages.

Kristin Chenoweth, of Pushing Daisies won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

The latest episode (but do yourself a favor and check out the others):

Despite the radically different format, they remind me of Chicago's own Money Kids (okay, now in New York). And not just because they're a brilliant two-woman sketch group. Because every once in a while, a duo comes along with such great chemistry that half of the fun is just watching them have fun:

Chicago is killing the game, comedy-wise of late. First, Hannibal Buress -- local stand-up star-- gets the call to join "SNL" to be a writer.

Now, we've gotten word that Marina Franklin, another Windy Town native, has landed a gig on the new "Jay Leno Show." She, along with a list of comics including DL Hughley, will serve as a comic correspondent on the show that debuts on Sept. 14.

Yessssss. I'm pretty dubious about the prospects of Leno's new show, especially considering that it's a big fuck-you to Conan O'Brien, and also that Leno's a huge hack, but with Franklin on board, there's a chance it could actually be worth watching. Plus, good for her and all that.